The hot hatch is powered by a turbocharged petrol engine which produces 202bhp and 206lb ft of torque. Another 26lb ft is available on an overboost function.

The Corsa VXR’s outputs exceed that of its great rival and class leader, the Ford Fiesta ST, which produces 179bhp and 199lb ft from its own 1.6-litre turbo engine.

The Corsa VXR can get from 0-60mph in 6.8sec and reach a top speed of 143mph. For comparison, the Fiesta ST’s 0-62mph time is 6.9sec, and its top speed is 137mph.

Vauxhall is also talking in the in-gear performance of the six-speed manual-equipped Corsa VXR, saying it can get from 50-75mph in fifth gear in 6.6secs. Completing the numbers, the Corsa VXR has combined economy of 37.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 174g/km.

The Corsa VXR has suspension lowered by 10mm over the standard three-door model on which it is based. Vauxhall says the model is fitted with dampers specially developed by Koni called Frequency Selective Damping (FSD), which are claimed to allow for both a comfortable low-speed ride and composed body control at higher speeds.

The ESP and traction control systems are two-stage and switchable, a Vauxhall first. A Competition mode disables the traction control and minimises the intervention of the ESP, and Track mode also disables the ESP completely.

The electric steering software is said to have been revised to be “more direct and precise”, according to Vauxhall, with “improved feedback through the wheel”.Offered as standard are 17in alloys shod in 215/45 R17 Michelin tyres. The front brake discs are 308mm in diameter.

On the options list is a Performance Package, which adds a Drexler-supplied limited-slip differential, larger 330mm Brembo brake discs at the front, harder settings for the FSD dampers, and larger 18in alloys. This package is a replacement for previous Nürburgring and Clubsport editions of the Corsa VXR in the past.

Styling wise, the Corsa VXR is easily distinguished from its lesser siblings by its more aggressive looks, which include a bodykit with larger air intakes at the front, side skirts, a large rear wing, and twin exhausts.

Inside, new additions include Recaro front seats, a leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel, special VXR instruments, and a VXR gear lever. The Intellilink infotainment system is also offered as standard.

There are six exterior colour choices, including a new Flash Blue colour exclusive to the VXR.

Vauxhall has yet to confirm pricing for the new model, but it will need to be competitive against the £17,250 Fiesta ST.

Our Verdict

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And surely coming to you as a bodykit for a 'limited edition' version of the wheezy base spec by July. Makes no sense at all epecially as Corsas from 2006 are no sub £2k in the classifieds. They might have got away with this 4 years ago, but I'm not sure if they will now.

There isn't any actual advantage at all; the Fiesta ST does have 200BHP but it's only via a 15 second overboost. Ford advertised the car as having 20BHP less because it's supposedly illegal for any car maker to advertise temporary power outputs of a car's engine. I always liked the Corsa VXR, but they'll certainly have to price this one carefully next to the masterful Fiesta ST.

There isn't any actual advantage at all; the Fiesta ST does have 200BHP but it's only via a 15 second overboost. Ford advertised the car as having 20BHP less because it's supposedly illegal for any car maker to advertise temporary power outputs of a car's engine. I always liked the Corsa VXR, but they'll certainly have to price this one carefully next to the masterful Fiesta ST.

That makes sense, I went by the fiestas figures in the article, agree pricing is critical, even if it doesn't better the fiesta in road tests providing it doesn't disgrace it's self (which I'm sure it won't) it will still sell well I'd have thought, after all not everyone wants a fiesta.

Hmhm, it's just that the temporary power output isn't explained anywhere else besides the Ford Fiesta ST review in the Performance tab. True, not everyone is gonna follow the crowd and get a Fiesta, as long as the alternatives do very well in their own way; though I can understand why it's so popular. I forgot to mention, the Corsa VXR will be in a tough spot, as there's the new VW Polo GTI to consider.

Oh yeah agreed, it's a very quiet car of sorts; in the sense that it's got very little attention from everyone. True, while it's the best made car in the class, it's definitely the blander car of sorts. Still, Vauxhall will still need to be careful not to position the Corsa VXR close to the Polo GTI; it's a mistake both Peugeot's 208 GTI and Renault's Clio RS200 made as they're are both actually a bit more expensive than the Polo GTI.